Programme Policy Officer (Satellite Rainfall Estimates)

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WFP encourages female candidates and people with disabilities to apply.

WFP seeks candidates of the highest integrity and professionalism who share our humanitarian principles. Selection of staff is made on a competitive basis. We are committed to promoting diversity and the principle of equal employment opportunity for all our employees and encourages qualified candidates to apply irrespective of religion or belief, ethnic or social background, gender, gender identity and disability.

ABOUT WFP

The World Food Programme (WFP) is the leading humanitarian organization saving lives and changing lives delivering food assistance in emergencies and working with communities to improve nutrition and build resilience.

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

Since 2015, WFP Nepal is working closely with the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology in defining relevant triggers and thresholds for early warnings, specifically focusing on flood hazard. Since 2020, WFP piloted an innovative approach for anticipatory action, where cash was delivered to households-at-risk before the flood occurred. With a view to strengthen the existing systems, policies and procedures enabling anticipatory action, WFP has developed a project for advancing the systems at all levels of Government and sustainably systematize the initiative. At this level, job holders are expected to demonstrate responsibility and initiative to respond independently to various queries with only general guidance. There is a requirement to use judgment in dealing with unforeseen operational problems on a daily basis. Job holders are expected to manage resources and coach and coordinate support staff.

JOB PURPOSE

The objective is to equip Department of Hydrology and Meteorology with a comprehensive and customized earth observation integration in existing application of hazard monitoring and forecasting. framework to generate blended product of satellite-based rainfall estimates with in-situ observations for plugging into the flood forecast models, and thus develop, compare and validate accuracy of Probabilistic Quantitative Precipitation for flood forecasting.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Position Title: Programme Policy Officer (Satellite Rainfall Estimates) Contract Type: Special Service Agreement (SSA) Level: SSA-9 (Equiv. to NOB) Contract Duration:4 months Duty Station: Kathmandu, Nepal Vacancy Number: 828506 Date of Publication: Re-post 02 Aug 2023 Deadline of Application: 08 Aug 2023

WFP offers a competitive benefits package including salary plus a medical insurance (https://www.henner.com/en/accueil-english/)

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES (not all-inclusive)

Under the overall supervision of the Head of Evidence, Policy and Innovation (EPI) unit and in direct coordination with the Programme Policy Officer for Forecast based Anticipatory Action (FbAA); the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties:

• Assess the requirements of monitoring satellite-based rainfall estimates (real and near-real time) and its operations in detecting extreme rainfall events
• Develop a blended product that combines satellite-based rainfall estimates ( with in-situ observations, using appropriate algorithms and methodologies taking into account their strengths and weaknesses
• Test and evaluate the accuracy and reliability of the blended product on hourly, daily, monthly, seasonal and yearly scales over the whole Nepal, and at grid-to grid scale
• Quantify any biases in the blended product, using statistical methods and analysis, and apply appropriate bias correction and calibration approaches to both precipitation monitoring products to enhance the confidence and skill of the products
• Identify and validate approaches for blended product-based flood susceptibility mapping
• Prioritize list of precipitation monitoring products at grid level based on confidence and skill level for flood forecasting purpose
• Develop an automated system that gathers required data and generate prioritized precipitation monitoring products in real-time along with confidence estimates for flood forecasting purpose
• Test the blended product with relevant stakeholders, including government agencies, DRM stakeholders, and other decision-makers, and incorporate feedback into the final product.
• Develop operational manual and conduct hands-on training to DHM officials for operational use to implement automated rainfall-based flood forecasting system.

STANDARD MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Advanced University Degree (Masters Degree) in Meteorology, Atmospheric Science, Remote Sensing or other related fields. PHD is an added advantage.

Language: Fluency in both oral and written communication in English and Nepali.

DESIRED EXPERIENCES FOR ENTRY INTO THE ROLE

At least three years of post graduate professional experience in measuring skills of satellite rainfall estimates, developing blended products with ground-based hydro-meteorological data with programming language applications.

OTHER SPECIFIC JOB REQUIREMENTS

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS:

Strong analytical and technical skills, with experience in data collection, analysis, and visualization with Proficiency in programming languages such as R, GEE or Python is preferred.

WFP LEADERSHIP FRAMEWORK: COMMON STANDARDS OF BEHAVIOUR

Leads by example with Integrity Drives results and Delivers on commitments Fosters inclusive and collaborative teamwork. Applies strategic thinking Builds and maintains sustainable partnerships

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HOW TO APPLY

To be considered, interested candidates are invited to apply via (https://www.wfp.org/careers/job-openings). Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Request for Disability related Reasonable Accommodations:

It is important to WFP to create an accessible and inclusive workplace for everyone. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the selection and hiring process, please direct your request and inquiries to [email protected]. A member of the HR team responsible for reasonable accommodation will contact you to confidentially discuss your needs.

This email is only to be used for any disability related accessibility requirements and not for sending the application itself. Due to the volume of applications, any applications or CVs sent through this email address will not be considered a formal application and will not receive a reply from WFP.

WFP has a zero-tolerance approach to conduct such as fraud, sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to WFP’s standards of conduct and will therefore undergo rigorous background verification internally or through third parties. Selected candidates will also be required to provide additional information as part of the verification exercise. Misrepresentation of information provided during the recruitment process may lead to disqualification or termination of employment

WFP will not request payment at any stage of the recruitment process including at the offer stage. Any requests for payment should be refused and reported to local law enforcement authorities for appropriate action.